2021 Senior Bowl: 6 players who impressed on day two
Keith Taylor – cornerback (Washington) – National
While there was heavy pressure on the receivers to replicate the same kind of success from the Senior Bowl first practice, there was even more pressure on the defensive backs to suppress any kind of productivity.
The American squad has no shortage of talent in their defensive backs but one of the most significant performances in day two’s practice was Washington Huskies cornerback Keith Taylor.
Measuring at 6’2, 191 pounds, Taylor is the second-tallest cornerback on both Senior Bowl rosters. He also has the second-largest hand size of all the cornerbacks at 9 ½ inches. He is a tall and skinny corner, who is incredibly shifty and quick in his hips. He was one of the most consistent cornerbacks in Wednesday’s practice as he stayed locked down to the most productive receivers.
In team periods, Taylor was highly consistent in some of his assigned man coverages. He made one of the biggest pass breakups on a deep pass from Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book.
In the play where he allowed too much spacing on Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Tylan Wallace, he quickly caught Wallace on a quick slant route and delivered a huge tackle. Taylor was able to display his great hip movement, ability to tight man coverage, and also displayed his hard-hitting tackling ability.
Elijah Mitchell – running back (Louisiana) – American
The running back position is one of the toughest positions to evaluate in the Senior Bowl. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns running back Elijah Mitchell was a participant who constantly looking to showcase his talent and potential in front of NFL scouts and coaches since the first day of practice.
It was on the second day of practice where Mitchell was able to tough his toughness and quickness in the entire practice session. In the position drills, Mitchell displayed his quick feet and the ability to turn his hips. Mitchell showed constant determination to quickly burst through the line and explode through the line of scrimmage while breaking off tackles.
Mitchell showed complete reliability of catching the ball in the backfield and specific drills and run quick routes. One of the most underrated aspects of his performance in Wednesday’s practice to provide great pass protection in one-on-ones. He is a player that raised his draft stock against some of the most recognizable Power Five running backs.